Nude Woman from the Rear 1888 - 1889

Curator: Here we have Berthe Morisot's "Nude Woman from the Rear," held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels so immediate, almost like a fleeting impression captured in a sketch. The lines are so delicate. Curator: As a woman artist in the Impressionist circle, Morisot often explored intimate, domestic scenes, challenging traditional academic nudes. Editor: Exactly. The woman’s averted gaze and the vulnerable pose, considered within the context of the male gaze, really subverts objectification. It's like she's reclaiming her own image. Curator: And the soft lines contribute to the overall feeling of introspection. The image evokes a sense of quiet, perhaps even loneliness. Editor: It prompts one to consider the historical power dynamics between artist and subject. It humanizes the nude, inviting empathy rather than voyeurism. Curator: It’s a fascinating piece that still resonates with contemporary dialogues surrounding representation. Editor: Indeed, a powerful example of how art can subtly confront and reshape societal norms.